The Color of Goodbye

The Color of Goodbye

I do not know the paints to use,
or if I should even try.
Love, how can I capture us
in these, the colors of goodbye?

Are we the red of stirring desire,
burning away into the setting sun,
smoldering into ashes,
until the darkness has won?

Are we the peach of soft flesh,
full of holding and embraces,
written in our heavy breath,
and the brightness of our faces?

Are we the black of our children’s fur,
soft against our snuggling,
kindling between us five,
the bright light of family loving?

Are we the icy blue of my eyes,
and the changing color of yours?
Locked in the smiling gaze,
where safety is restored?

Are we the evergreen of forests,
where we hiked away our days.
In bitter cold, in pouring rain,
in the warmth of the sun's rays?

Are we the hum of grey,
that inspired our connection?
A passion for the rainy world,
submerged inside depression?

Are we the tan of beach sand,
strewn with rocks and glass,
in a crescendo of kisses,
which don't know how to last?

Are we the clear of glistening tears,
sliding down our shattered faces?
Too many promises, too many farewells,
too many nights with empty spaces.

Are we the purple of healing scars,
of mutual wounding and self-harm?
Is our parting marked by the agony
depicted across our arms?

Are we the murky green water,
below our bridge of choice?
The river that sings the siren song,
echos suicide's seductive voice?

We are all and none of these;
color leaves something wanting,
to paint the intricate impressions
of our goodbye's ghostly haunting.